Pumpkin with flavor
Autumn means pumpkin season, and for several weeks now, pumpkins in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and colors have been offered directly from growers at the roadside. The cultivation of edible pumpkins has increased significantly in Germany in recent years: 99,100 tons of edible pumpkins were harvested in Germany in 2021 – almost 44 percent more than ten years earlier (source: Federal Statistical Office, 2022).
Now is the perfect opportunity to prepare this delicious regional product on the grill. Whether butternut, muscat, or the number one: the Hokkaido. The pumpkin is one of the oldest cultivated plants. Seeds can be traced back as far as 10,000 BC. Pumpkins – which, by the way, are classified as berries rather than vegetables – originally come from Latin America. The Spanish brought them to Europe in the 16th century. Around 800 pumpkin varieties are known worldwide – they were all bred and cultivated from five bitter-tasting wild varieties.
The five most popular pumpkin varieties
1. Hokkaido: The absolute favorite among pumpkins in Germany. It has a bright orange rind, a nutty-sweet aroma, does not need to be peeled, and can be prepared in many ways.
2. Butternut: Known for its buttery, slightly sweet taste. The pear-shaped fruit is excellent for soups and curries.
3. Musquée pumpkin:
With its deep orange flesh and slightly spicy taste, it is ideal for slow-cooked dishes.
4. Spaghetti squash: Popular for its fibrous flesh, which resembles spaghetti. It has a mild, nutty taste.
5. Baby Bear:
A small, sweet pumpkin, perfect for small households and versatile in use.
Pumpkin on the grill
Pumpkin is excellent for grilling and far too delicious to be considered just a side dish. It really comes into its own on the grill:
1. Intensified flavor: Grilling enhances the pumpkin's natural aroma and adds a subtle smoky note.
2. Variety of textures: Depending on the grilling method, you can achieve different textures – from tender to crispy.
3. Health benefits: Pumpkin is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Grilling largely preserves these nutrients.
4. Versatility: Pumpkin can be prepared on the grill as a main course, a side dish, or even a dessert.
5. Seasonality and regionality: During pumpkin season, it is a perfect regional product for the grill.
Selected pumpkin recipes are available in the FIRE&FOOD eDossier. An inspiring collection of pumpkin recipes – from the FIRE&FOOD grilling experts:
